New York-based type designer, Kellen Renstrom, continues to turn heads in the design community with his eye for transforming the mundane into exciting, user-focused designs. Renstrom’s work spans across numerous styles and mediums – from modern minimalism to vintage-inspired designs, from individual pieces to collaborations with various design firms and artists.
Identifying himself as a “type-led generalist”, Renstrom expertly balances his professional responsibilities with his personal artistic pursuits. His rich portfolio demonstrates his ability to adapt to different mediums, manifesting his creative versatility. His artistic flair shines in his unique ability to experiment and redefine design norms.
Renstrom’s work incorporates various analog techniques and unorthodox methodologies. He skillfully blends physical manifestations with typography, resulting in inventive fonts, editorial and web designs, and strong brand identities. His dedication to fine craftsmanship shows in his exploration of different materials and mediums, creating detailed pieces that challenge traditional graphic design.
He excels in remixing common elements and giving them a central role in his visual storytelling.
Kellen Renstrom: Transcending design norms with uniqueness
His work often delves into the overlooked, breathing life into these items and presenting them with a fresh perspective. Not simply recreating, Renstrom offers viewers a chance to engage in a dialogue with the familiar in an unfamiliar way.
Renstrom’s knack for using mixed-media showcases his commitment to diversity and the power of transformation. His versatility in using everything from hand-drawn elements to digital manipulation invites audiences to see beyond the surface, to question, and to feel.
His dedication to sustainability is equally commendable as he emphasizes the preservation and reutilization of found materials. His works showcase his love for reinventing the ordinary, ultimately creating pieces that captivate and deeply resonate with viewers.
Notably, Renstrom’s inspirations come from various sources outside the design world – everyday objects, art, music, online culture, and his friendships. These mix of influences truly sets his work apart, pushing boundaries and resulting in unique, innovative designs.
His notable projects include ONLY FOR A LIMITED TIME, ‘SUN’ title explorations, Live! Bloom, and Grommet. Each piece showcases his profound understanding of different artistic styles, intertwining realism, surrealism, pop-art, and abstract expressionism. His work, in essence, pushes the boundaries of conventional design and creates a distinct visual language that stands out in the art and design world, making him a pioneer in his field.
